Delhi University Launches New Courses on Relationships, Love, and Breakups for Gen-Z. Addressing digital age challenges, identifying red flags, and building healthy relationships.
Delhi University: Love, breakups, relationship red flags, and the complexities of the digital world—today's Generation Z is grappling with these issues. Delhi University (DU) has launched specialized courses to help students understand and navigate these challenges. Courses like Negotiating Intimate Relationships, Media Psychology, and Psychology of Adjustment will begin in the 2025-26 academic session. These courses will not only teach the nuances of relationships but also offer a perspective on improving overall well-being. Experts believe these courses are a timely necessity in the digital age. Let's explore these courses and understand their significance.
New Challenges in Relationships in the Digital Age
Today's world is digital. Relationships often begin on apps like Tinder, Instagram, and Bumble, but these relationships frequently end quickly. New relationship concepts like live-in relationships, situationships, and one-night stands have emerged. Professor Naveen Kumar from the Department of Psychology at Delhi University notes that today's generation desires independence but lacks understanding of its boundaries.
He explains the rise in working parents and children growing up with digital gadgets, weakening traditional relationship norms. People often mistake infatuation for love, which is often unsustainable. This leads to stress, depression, and sometimes even violence. Recent cases, such as the murder of Raja Raghuvanshi in Indore or the murder of a live-in partner in Delhi, highlight these complexities.
Negotiating Intimate Relationships: Understanding the Depth of Relationships
DU's Negotiating Intimate Relationships course is generating the most discussion. Starting in the next academic session (2025-26), it will be available to all undergraduate students. This course will teach the nuances of love, friendship, and relationships crucial for today's generation.
- Identifying Red Flags: Recognizing warning signs in relationships, such as violence, controlling behavior, or emotional blackmail.
- Building Healthy Relationships: Cultivating relationships based on respect and understanding.
- Dealing with Breakups: Managing emotional well-being after a relationship ends.
Professor Naveen points out that today's generation makes hasty decisions based on idealized portrayals of relationships on social media. This course will help them understand the realities of relationships and achieve a better life balance.
The Impact of the Digital World: Media Psychology Course
The Media Psychology course will explore the impact of the digital world on relationships. Instagram Reels, TikTok, and dating apps are now integral parts of life. But what is their effect on our minds and relationships?
This course will teach how social media shapes our relationships. Students will participate in group debates and practical sessions to understand the world of dating apps, online trolling, and the pressure of digital image. Professor Naveen notes that in the digital age, people are molding their lives according to ready-made social media templates, which can actually cause stress.
Psychology of Adjustment: Finding Harmony in Life
The Psychology of Adjustment course focuses on navigating everyday life challenges. It will teach students how to balance work, family, and relationships. Today's generation often struggles with work pressure, career anxieties, and relationship complexities. This course will equip them with coping mechanisms.
- Work-Life Balance: Managing work and personal life effectively.
- Emotional Resilience: Maintaining strength during difficult times.
- Conflict Resolution: Resolving disagreements and misunderstandings in relationships.
Course Highlights: Engaging Learning Methods
These courses are four-credit general elective courses, meaning any student who has completed their 12th grade can choose them. They will be taught through three lectures and one tutorial per week. Tutorials will make learning fun and practical.
- Film Analysis: Students will analyze toxic relationships depicted in films like "Kabir Singh" and romantic relationships in films like "Titanic".
- Group Debates: Discussions on the impact of dating apps and social media on relationships.
- Love Scale Tools: Using tools like Sternberg's Triangular Theory of Love to understand their relationships.
These practical approaches connect learning to real life, going beyond theoretical knowledge.
Why Are These Courses Necessary?
Professor Naveen states that today's society is rapidly changing. Youth have independent thinking, but face pressure from family and society. This clash often leads to poor decisions. Misunderstandings, toxic behavior, and breakups are causing increased stress.
Recent cases exemplify this. In Indore, Sonam Raghuvanshi conspired with her lover to murder her husband, Raja. In Delhi, a live-in partner murdered his girlfriend and stored her body in a refrigerator. These incidents highlight the critical need for relationship understanding and emotional management.
